NCJ Number
90012
Date Published
1983
Length
149 pages
Annotation
Using the positional analysis technique, the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement reviewed administrative and operational assignments of State police officers, with attention to requirements for candidates, training, rotation, differences among jobs, and compensation.
Abstract
The study employed the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ), which is administered in an interview by an analyst, and two self-administered instruments -- the Work Elements Inventory and Job Requirements Audit. All assess the job as it is performed and show how each job relates to another as well as its relative level on the organization's hierarchy. The PAQ revealed that 8 of the 10 officer jobs analyzed -- range, combination positions, court, automotive equipment, breath analysis, vehicle identification, hazardous materials officers, and pilot -- rated at or below the level of trooper in the departmental hierarchy. Only public information officer and second division vehicle officer, which primarily involves truck weighing scale supervision, ranked higher. The relative level of trooper had decreased since 1976, possibly because of field officers' perceptions that their job has been restricted in recent years. The PAQ also indicated that special assignments (except for trooper, hazardous materials, and second division vehicle officer) required different skills, were performed differently, and might not require sworn status. While some jobs should have long-term assignments because of the extensive training required, rotation is recommended for tasks performed under stressful conditions. The other two study instruments revealed fewer distinctions between trooper and special assignments. Tables, graphs, 10 footnotes, and definitions of dimensions covered on the three questionnaires are included. (Author summary modified)